The Contribution of Functionalist Sociology to an...

The Contribution of Functionalist Sociology to an Understanding of the Role of Education in Society Functionalists have constructed two questions to help them research education. The first question is. What are the functions of education for society as a whole? and the second question is. What are the functional relationships between the education system and other parts of the social system. Firstly, Functionalism is a theory. A theory based on â€Å"value consensus†. Functionalism is based on the view that society is a system of interdependent parts held together by a shared culture or value consensus (an agreement amongst society’s members about what values are important). Functionalist†¦show more content†¦Durkhiem stated that school serves a function in a complex industrial society that the family or peer group cant. Children are taught to get along with those who are neither their kin nor friend. Durkhiem saw schools as society in miniature. Durkhiem also argued that school rules should be enforced and punishment which should reflect the seriousness of the damage done to the social group and should be made clear why they were being punished. Durkhiem also explained that education teaches individuals specific tasks, which are necessary for their future jobs. David Hargreaves supported Durkhiem view by saying that schools place too much stress on the developing the individuals and not enough on the duties and responsibilities for social solidarity. Hargreaves also noted that schools fail to produce a sense of dignity for working class pupils and therefore fail and may form subcultures, which rejects the values of the school. Hargreaves proposed three solutions to the national curriculum. One was for students to follow a field of study where they have a special interest or ability. Another view is there should be compulsory parts of the curriculum, which will help pupils to have a clear view of their role in society.Show MoreRelatedThe Contribution of Functionalist Sociology to an Understanding of the Role of Education in Society1337 Words   |  6 PagesThe Contribution of Functionalist Sociology to an Understanding of the Role of Education in Society Works Cited Missing Schools serve a function in a complex industrial society that family and peer groups cannot ( Durkheim,1956) Education is important in society. The structure and processes of education systems are related to the general process of socialisation. All sociologists agree with this, but sociologists have many different views about how societies are structuredRead MoreThe Impact of Sociological Theories in Education1674 Words   |  7 PagesThe Impact of Sociological Theories in Education Crystal Taylor-Johnson SOC101: Introduction to Sociology Professor Christine Henderson November 22, 2010 Education is the most important part of a person’s life. Without a good education people would struggle in everyday life just to be able to get by. There are three theories that help understand education. 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Functionalists see individual action as the product of social institutions such as the family and education socializingRead MoreA Study Of The Development, Structure, And Functioning Of Human Society909 Words   |  4 PagesAlain Dumas Professor Mackinnon Sociology 111 December 9, 2015 Sociology is the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. In other words, it is the study of social problems. We study sociology today â€Å"to see a larger social context of the lives we are living, and in this way give both understanding and meaning to personal experiences† (Personal Experiences and Public Issues). C. Wright Mills, an American sociologist, coined the term sociological imagination. HavingRead MoreEssay on Sociological Perspectives to Understand Society2017 Words   |  9 PagesEXPLAIN HOW SOCIOLOGISTS ATTEMPT TO UNDERSTAND SOCIETY. The main aim of sociology is to seek an understanding or explanation as to how society functions or operates. There are numerous sociological theories, some dating back as early as the 19th century, these include Structural and Marxist Functionalism and Social Action theories. Throughout the years these perspectives have gradually been modernised due to the changes that have occurred in society. In this assignment I shall be looking at the keyRead MoreMarxism And Functionalism : Society And Sport Essay1658 Words   |  7 PagesFunctionalism through society and sport, highlighting the benefits and problems. Both, Marxism and Functionalism are sets of ideas trying to provide an explanation for human society and how it operates. Marxism and Functionalism are both related to a structural view of sociology. That is according to Giddens observable patterns of behavior within a society that shapes the individual due to so many different influences on a person’s daily social interaction. The structural view of society belongs to theRead More Sociology of Racial and Cultural Groups Essay1431 Words   |  6 Pagesperspectives offer theoretical paradigms for explaining how society influences people, taking into account the social factors that impact on human behavior. However, different theories, ideas, and prejudices can influence a sociologists conclusions. Each of these theories has a contribution to make with a distinct focus. Functional theory was influenced by Emile Durkheim. Adherents of this theory emphasize, Various parts of society have functions or positive effects that promote solidarityRead MoreMajor Theoretical Sociological Perspectives: Similarities and Differences2432 Words   |  10 PagesMajor Theoretical Sociological Perspectives: Similarities and Differences Sociology: the scientific study of the development, structure and functioning of human society (Oxford). When the topic of discussion is sociology, Auguste Comte, the â€Å"father of positivism† would come to mind, as it was he who first coined the term â€Å"sociology† (Kreis, 2009). Comte also emphasized that the study of society must be scientific and he pushed sociologists to employ the use of qualitative methods such as observation